Double Take

Double Take presents historical and contemporary figurative works from the Confederation Centre Art Gallery's collection. Comparisons between figurative works can show an enduring interest in portraiture. Included are two early 19th century portraits of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Chandler by A.G. Hoit, and two later 19th century portraits of a musician by Robert Harris. Two mid-20th century works by Kathleen Daly depict a young farmer in a rural Canadian landscape and a late 1960s full-length portrait of a woman wearing a winter coat and boots, by T. R. MacDonald, are clearly specific people in specific locations. Similarly, in four portraits from the 2004-05 Charlottetown Series, by Brian Burke, we see that the artist was intent on capturing some essence of the subject’s character and personality through his use of a restricted palette, expressive brush work, and compositions engaging both the figure and background.  Whereas the seated nude bather in two large paintings by Lucy Hogg, from her 1991 Rebuilds Series, are not intended as portraits; they are based on her interest in art historical subjects, specifically the work of the French painter Ingres. But her interest in the act of painting—in colour and surface—are important elements in her reworking of the figure as was also the case in Robert Harris’ study after Spanish artist Velázquez, which is also included in the show.